8th Grade Syllabi
Creative Photography II
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Creative Photography 2 advances young photographers from basic skills to creative mastery. Students sharpen technical exposure, lighting, and composition while exploring advanced techniques like macro, HDR, and AI-enhanced visuals. The course focuses on technical mastery and creative insight needed to produce compelling photographic works, culminating in a professional digital portfolio.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Produce well-exposed, compositionally unified photographs using advanced camera and lighting controls.
- Employ alternative and emerging processes—macro, long-exposure, HDR, cyanotype, photomontage, and AI tools.
- Critique photographic works using formal art-criticism models, addressing technical quality and aesthetics.
- Apply ethical studio practices, including copyright compliance and responsible digital citizenship.
- Curate and present a cohesive digital portfolio with a clear artist statement.
COURSE OUTLINE
Organized into six progressive units move from technical refinement to polished portfolio presentation. Students explore foundation refresh, camera techniques, lighting design, alternative processes (including AI), visual storytelling, and career pathways in the visual arts.
COURSE STRUCTURE
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To refresh photography foundations, expand technical versatility through experimentation, manipulate light for narrative, and encourage creative innovation by blending historical processes with digital AI tools.
COURSE TIME
Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.
Pre-Algebra (8th Grade Math)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This Pre-Algebra course lays a solid mathematical foundation, preparing students for Algebra I through enhanced problem-solving skills and logical thinking. Students master fundamental concepts that are essential for success in future mathematical endeavors.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand congruence and transformations on the coordinate plane.
- Master linear equations and solving systems of linear equations.
- Analyze data patterns through scatter plots and categorical data analysis.
- Explore functions through equations, graphs, and tables.
- Calculate volumes of three-dimensional shapes (cylinders, cones, spheres).
- Master integer exponents, scientific notation, and the Pythagorean theorem.
COURSE OUTLINE
A detailed curriculum organized into seven units: Congruence, Linear Equations/Systems, Data Patterns, Functions, Volume, Exponents/Scientific Notation, and Irrational Numbers/Pythagorean Theorem.
COURSE STRUCTURE
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To bridge the gap to advanced mathematics, developing numerical literacy, spatial reasoning, and the ability to apply mathematical knowledge in real-life contexts.
COURSE TIME
Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.
English Language Arts III
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Designed to deepen and refine students' understanding and skills in language arts. This course focuses on enhancing writing, reading, and analytical abilities through a comprehensive exploration of literary forms, including nonfiction, fiction, and poetry.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Develop advanced writing proficiency in both crafting nonfiction and narrative responses.
- Strengthen research abilities and the analysis of arguments in various texts.
- Explore characteristics of nonfiction and fiction genres in-depth.
- Learn to interpret, appreciate, and write poetic compositions.
- Apply literary elements (character, plot, theme, symbolism) in analysis and writing.
COURSE OUTLINE
A four-unit structure moving from foundational ELA basics to advanced genre studies in Nonfiction (reading "I Am Malala"), Fiction studies, and the exploration of poetry as an art form.
COURSE STRUCTURE
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To foster critical thinking and effective communication while enhancing students' appreciation for literary art and the power of language.
COURSE TIME
Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.
Physical Science
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A comprehensive program introducing the fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. Students explore the natural laws governing the physical world, from measurements and atoms to energy, forces, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand the scientific method and practical skills for physical science research.
- Study atoms, molecules, the periodic table, and chemical interactions.
- Analyze forces, motion, velocity, and Newton's Laws.
- Examine forms of energy, including potential, kinetic, and thermal transfer.
- Learn about waves, sound, and the differences between analog and digital signals.
- Explore electricity, circuits, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
COURSE OUTLINE
Seven units combining chemistry and physics principles, featuring hands-on projects involving measurements, chemical reactions, balloon-powered physics, and electrical circuits.
COURSE STRUCTURE
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To provide a solid scientific foundation, foster critical thinking, and encourage students to explore and question the world through empirical observation.
COURSE TIME
Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.
U.S. History
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An in-depth study of United States history highlighting the interactions among indigenous nations, European explorers, enslaved Africans, and immigrants. The course traces the American story from early indigenous cultures through the Civil War and Westward Expansion.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand early indigenous cultures and migration patterns to the Americas.
- Analyze European exploration, colonization, and the ensuing cultural conflicts.
- Examine the development of English colonies and the impact of slavery.
- Analyze the causes, events, and results of the American Revolution.
- Understand the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
- Study westward expansion, the roots of the Civil War, and Holocaust education foundations.
COURSE OUTLINE
A ten-unit curriculum covering early americans,discovery, revolution, constitution, reproduction of the republic, civil war, and a special module on Holocaust education foundations.
COURSE STRUCTURE
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To develop critical thinking, historical trends analysis, and an awareness of the complexities and diverse cultural heritage of American society.
COURSE TIME
Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.